Reid targeting special performance in sprints
Published:Monday | March 13, 2023 | 12:59 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
With the promise of something special in the sprint double in two weeks at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), Hydel High’s Alana Reid showcased her abilities in the half-lap as the final day of the Carifta Trials came to a close yesterday at the National Stadium.
Reid, who finished second in the Under-20 100 metres final on Saturday, claimed the 200m title in 22.96 seconds, with Mount Alvernia’s Carleta Bernard in second with 23.51 and Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery, third. in 23.93. Reid said she was surprised to have gone close to her personal best of 22.95 and feels that it is an excellent motivation not only to deliver in two weeks at Champs, but to deliver on the regional stage next month. “I’m very thankful that I came out here and showed everyone what I’m capable of. I didn’t expect to run so close to my personal best, but at least it is better that it is coming from here and I know what I am capable of,” Reid said.
The Under-20 100m final was a potential preview of what the Class One Girls’ 100m could be in two weeks, with Edwin Allen High’s Serena Cole winning in 11.18. Reid says that she is in ideal shape to make her mark at the championships.
“I have big things planned for myself for both events. So it is to go back to training and fix the areas that need correction and come back. Each time I have been improving, so that is a good sign right there,” Reid said.
Jamaica College’s Malique Smith Band won the under-20 boys’ title in 21.13, with St Elizabeth Technical’s Javorne Dunkley in second with 21.29 and Edwin Allen’s Delano Kennedy finishing third in 21.48. Smith Band has enjoyed a successful return from an injury-plagued 2022 and is hoping to continue that momentum at Champs.
“It has been an up season for me. I was injured for most of last season. This year, I came back stronger, running personal bests right through. So I am looking for more,” Smith Brand said.
Donte Mendez of Calabar (21.92) won the under-17 title, with Jamaica’s College’s Dontae Watson (22.17) in second and Greater Portmore’s Tyreek Robinson, third, in 22.20. Wolmer’s Girls’ Natrece East completed the sprint double, winning the 200m under-17 in 24.47.
CHAMPION
In the hurdles, reigning Carifta Games under-17 champion Bryana Davidson will defend her title in The Bahamas after winning the girls’ 100m event in 13.50 while Kingston College’s Kahiem Carby (13.81) took the under-17 boys 110m title. St Elizabeth Technical’s Habiba Harris (13.35) caused an upset in the under-20 100m hurdles, beating Petersfield’s Alexis James (13.38) to the title.
Meanwhile in the field, with only two athletes competing, Immaculate’s Zoelle Jamel won the under-17 Javelin title with 38.90m while Dionjah Shaw of Edwin Allen was second with 33.92m. The under-17 boys’ title was won by Tarique Daley of Calabar High with a best of 53.09m while Ronaldo Anderson of Petersfield (33.92m) was second. The under-20 title was captured by Shericka Christie of Hydel High with 39.45m. Sheniela Williams of Edwin Allen was second with 38.11m and Christie’s teammate, Narassia Burrell, was third with 36.29m.
In the triple jump, the under-17 girls’ title went to Hydel’s Sabrina Atkinson with 11.61m. Excelsior’s Tashianna Legister was second with 11.10m. Jenice Dunkley of Hydel (11.01m) was third. The under-20 title was won by St Jago’s Jade-Ann Dawkins with 12.95m, with Celine Riddle of Holmwood Technical 12.25m for second. Christie, the under-20 javelin winner, placed third with 12.11m. The under-17 boys’ triple jump title was won by Jamaica College’s Euan Young with a best of 14.81m. Calabar’s Shevaughn Pryce (12.96m) and Kijuan Williams 12.89) finished second and third, respectively.